Repositionable seat for delivery vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a cargo body coupled to the chassis and positioned rearward of the cab, a seating unit, and a mail tray. The cab includes a first floor portion defining a first interface at a first position within the cab. The cargo body includes a second floor portion defining a second interface at a second position within the cargo body. The seating unit includes a frame assembly that engages with the first interface and the second interface such that the seating unit is selectively repositionable between the first position and the second position. The mail tray is selectively positionable in the first position when the seating unit is in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application (a) claims the benefit of and priority to (i) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,374, filed Jul. 8, 2020, (ii)U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,377, filed Jul. 8, 2020,(iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,438, filed Jul. 8,2020, (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,444, filedJul. 8, 2020, (v) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,446,filed Jul. 8, 2020, and (vi) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63/049,456, filed Jul. 8, 2020, and (b) is related to (i) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/369,160, filed Jul. 7, 2021, (ii) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/369,303, filed Jul. 7, 2021, (iii) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/369,762, filed Jul. 7, 2021, (iv) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/369,755, filed Jul. 7, 2021, and (v) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/369,667, filed Jul. 7, 2021, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Delivery vehicles may have a number of doors, a cab, and a cargoportion. An operator may operate the vehicle from the cab. The cargoportion may serve as a storage area for parcels. The doors may provideentry and exit points for the operator to and from the cab and/or thecargo portion.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis, acab coupled to the chassis, a cargo body coupled to the chassis andpositioned rearward of the cab, a seating unit, and a mail tray. The cabincludes a first floor portion defining a first interface at a firstposition within the cab. The cargo body includes a second floor portiondefining a second interface at a second position within the cargo body.The seating unit includes a frame assembly that engages with the firstinterface and the second interface such that the seating unit isselectively repositionable between the first position and the secondposition. The mail tray is selectively positionable in the firstposition when the seating unit is in the second position.

Another embodiment relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis,a cab coupled to the chassis, a seating unit, and a storage rack. Thecab includes a floor portion defining a pair of slots. The seating unitincludes a frame assembly and a seat belt harness. The frame assembly haa pair of legs that engage with the pair of slots to selectively securethe seating unit to the floor portion, a seat base coupled to the pairof legs and that supports a seat cushion, and a seat back coupled to theseat base and that supports a back cushion. The seat belt harness has aseat belt buckle coupled to the seat base and a seat belt coupled to theframe assembly at a plurality of points. The seat belt includes acoupler configured to selectively interface with the seat belt buckle.The storage rack is selectively positionable in the cab when the seatingunit is removed therefrom. The storage rack includes end supports and aplurality of trays extending between the end supports in a stackedarrangement.

Still another embodiment relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes achassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a cargo body coupled to thechassis and positioned rearward of the cab, a seating unit, and astorage rack. The cab includes a first floor portion defining a firstpair of slots at a first position within the cab. The cargo bodyincludes a second floor portion defining a second pair of slots at asecond position within the cargo body. The seating unit includes a frameassembly and a seat belt harness. The frame assembly has a pair of legsthat engage with the first pair of slots and the second pair of slotssuch that the seating unit is selectively repositionable between thefirst position and the second position, a seat base coupled to the pairof legs and that supports a seat cushion, and a seat back coupled to theseat base and that supports a back cushion. The seat belt harness has aseat belt buckle coupled to the seat base and a seat belt coupled to theframe assembly at a plurality of points. The seat belt includes acoupler configured to selectively interface with the seat belt buckle.The storage rack is selectively positionable in the first position whenthe seating unit is in the second position. The storage rack includesend supports and a plurality of trays extending between the end supportsin a stacked arrangement.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a delivery vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a left side perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a primary driver compartment of thedelivery vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG.1 without a side door assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG.6 having the side door assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are various detailed views of a frame of the deliveryvehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of a seating position of a seat withina cab of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a detailed side view of the seating position of the seatwithin the cab of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 10 , according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are various detailed interior cab views of the deliveryvehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 14-17 are various views of a visibility envelope of the deliveryvehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a left side detailed view of a cab of the delivery vehicle ofFIG. 1 having a mail tray in a first position, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a left side detailed view delivery vehicle of FIG. 18 havinga repositionable training seat in the first position, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a front interior view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 19 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the repositionable seat of FIG. 19 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are various right side views of the delivery vehicle ofFIG. 19 with the repositionable training seat in a second position,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial side view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1including a cargo shelf assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a detailed view of the cargo shelf assembly of FIG. 24 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a detailed view of a frame mount portion of the cargo shelfassembly of FIG. 25 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a detailed view of a lower strap portion of the cargo shelfassembly of FIG. 25 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a detailed view of an upper strap portion of the cargo shelfassembly of FIG. 25 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a detailed view of an adjustable portion of the cargo shelfassembly of FIG. 25 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1having the side door assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the side door assembly of thedelivery vehicle of FIG. 30 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30with a front door of the side door assembly of FIG. 31 in an openposition, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30with a rear door of the side door assembly of FIG. 31 in an openposition, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of an upper guide rail of the sidedoor assembly of FIG. 31 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 8 witha roof of the delivery vehicle removed, detailing a sealing arrangementbetween the front door and the rear door of the side door assembly ofFIG. 31 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 is another top perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG.30 with the roof of the delivery vehicle removed, once again detailingthe sealing arrangement between the front door and the rear door of theside door assembly of FIG. 31 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 37 is another top perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG.30 with the roof of the delivery vehicle removed, detailing an openingmechanism between the front door and the rear door of the side doorassembly of FIG. 31 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 38 is an interior perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG.30 , detailing a handle assembly of the opening mechanism of FIG. 37 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing an initial step in an installation process to couple the sidedoor assembly of FIG. 31 to the delivery vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a front door installation step in the installation process tocouple the front door of the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to thedelivery vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a partial guide rail extension step in the installationprocess to couple the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to the deliveryvehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a detailed view of the guide rail extension step taken fromFIG. 41 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a rear door installation step in the installation process tocouple the rear door of the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to thedelivery vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a second partial guide rail extension step in the installationprocess to couple the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to the deliveryvehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a detailed view of the second partial guide rail extensionstep taken from FIG. 44 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a detailed view of a lower guide rail extension step takenfrom FIG. 44 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a rear door movement step in the installation process tocouple the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to the delivery vehicle,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 30 ,detailing a guard plate coupling step in the installation process tocouple a guard plate of the side door assembly of FIG. 31 to thedelivery vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a side view of a window assembly of the delivery vehicle ofFIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the window assembly of FIG. 49 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the window assembly of FIG. 49 ,showing a movable window translatable in a direction, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the window assembly of FIG. 49 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the window assembly of FIG. 49including a seal positioned between a movable window and a fixed windowof the window assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a detailed perspective view of the seal of FIG. 53 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a detailed perspective cross-sectional view of the seal ofFIG. 53 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 53 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a portion of a door panel configured toreceive the movable window of the window assembly of FIG. 49 , accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a right side perspective view of the side door assembly ofthe delivery vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 59 and 60 are perspective views of an opening mechanism and a doorlocking assembly of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 61 and 62 are perspective views of the door locking assembly ofFIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 63 is a partial side section view of the door locking assembly ofFIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a front view of a sleeve of the door locking assembly of FIG.59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a front view of a core assembly of the door locking assemblyof FIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 66-69 are perspective views of the door locking assembly of FIG.59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 70 and 71 are side views of the core assembly of FIG. 65 invarious states of engagement with a key, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 72 is an exploded perspective view of the door locking assembly ofFIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 73 and 74 are perspective views of a retaining pin of the doorlocking assembly of FIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the door locking assembly of FIG. 59 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 76 and 77 are rear views of the door locking assembly of FIG. 59 ,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 78 is a partial section view of a body of the delivery vehicle ofFIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 79-81 are side views of a portion of a body of the deliveryvehicle of FIG. 1 , according to various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Overall Vehicle

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 , a vehicle(e.g., a parcel vehicle, a cargo transport vehicle, a mail vehicle, apostal vehicle, a postal van, a truck, a van, etc.), shown as deliveryvehicle 10, is configured to facilitate improved parcel delivery.Generally, the delivery vehicle 10 may be a specialized vehicle thattransports parcels (e.g., mail, packages, etc.) from a distributioncenter (e.g., a post office, a warehouse, etc.) to various deliverylocations (e.g., recipients' homes, offices, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 , the delivery vehicle 10 includes a chassis,shown as a frame 12. The frame 12 defines a first end, shown as frontend 14, an opposing second end, shown as rear end 16, a first lateralside (e.g., a driver side, etc.), shown as right side 18, and anopposing second lateral side (e.g., a passenger side, etc.), shown asleft side 20, of the delivery vehicle 10. While components of thedelivery vehicle 10 may be described as being positioned along,proximate, adjacent, etc. the right side 18 or the left side 20 herein,it should be understood that such components could be positioned on theopposite side. As shown in FIG. 1 , the frame 12 also defines alongitudinal axis, shown as central axis 22, extending longitudinallythrough the delivery vehicle 10 from the front end 14 to the rear end16. As shown in FIG. 1-7 , the frame 12 supports a first axle, shown asfront axle 60, having a first plurality of tractive elements, shown asfront wheels 62, coupled thereto; a second axle, shown as rear axle 64,having a second plurality of tractive elements, shown as rear wheels 66,coupled thereto; a power unit, shown as powertrain 70, that drives thefront axle 60 and/or the rear axle 64 to move the delivery vehicle 10;and a body assembly, shown as body 100.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the powertrain 70 includes a primary driver orprime mover, shown as engine 72, coupled to and disposed within aprimary driver compartment, shown as engine compartment 24, at the frontend 14 of the frame 12. In some embodiments, the powertrain 70 is atraditional, internal combustion engine driven powertrain. In someembodiments, the powertrain 70 additionally includes on-board energystorage (e.g., a battery pack, etc.), a generator, and/or an electricmotor to supplement the engine 72 such that the powertrain 70 is ahybrid powertrain. In some embodiments, the powertrain 70 does notinclude the engine 72. Rather, the primary driver may be an electricmotor and the powertrain 70 may include on-board energy storage suchthat the powertrain 70 is an electric powertrain. In another embodiment,the primary diver includes a fuel cell and an electric motor such thatthe powertrain 70 is a fuel cell electric powertrain.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7 , the body 100 includes a hood, shown ashood 110, coupled to the front end 14 of the frame 12 and extending overthe engine compartment 24 within which the engine 72 is positioned; afirst pair of pillars, shown as A-pillars 112; a second pair of pillars,shown as B-pillars 114; a third pair of pillars, shown as C-pillars 116;a front cabin, shown as cab 200, positioned between the A-pillars 112and the B-pillars 114; a rear storage section, shown as cargo body 400,positioned behind the cab 200 and between the B-pillars 114 and theC-pillars 116; a divider, shown as partition 600, extending between theB-pillars 114 and at least partially separating the cab 200 from thecargo body 400; and a door assembly, shown as side door assembly 700.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7 , the cab 200 defines a first interiorsection or zone, shown as driver compartment 202, a first opening, shownas right cab opening 204, and a second opening, shown as left cabopening 206. The right cab opening 204 is positioned along the rightside 18 of the delivery vehicle 10. The right cab opening 204facilitates ingress into and egress from the driver compartment 202. Thedriver compartment 202 may be configured to contain or otherwise supporta number of seats (e.g., one or more seats, etc.), storage units (e.g.,a mail tray, etc.), and/or other equipment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,the driver compartment 202 is configured to provide seating for anoperator (e.g., a driver, etc.) of the delivery vehicle 10 with a seat,shown as driver seat 210. In some embodiments, the driver compartment202 is configured to provide seating for a passenger of the deliveryvehicle 10 (e.g., a temporary training seat, a repositionable passengerseat, etc.). The driver compartment 202 may also include variouscontrols for driving the delivery vehicle 10 and/or operating thesystems thereof (e.g., a user interface, a touchscreen, a display, asteering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, control levers,buttons, switches, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , the cargo body 400 defines a secondinterior section or zone, shown as cargo compartment 402, a thirdopening, shown as side cargo opening 404, and a fourth opening, shown asrear cargo opening 406. The side cargo opening 404 is positioned alongthe right side 18 of the delivery vehicle 10 adjacent the right cabopening 204 with the right B-pillar 114 separating the two. The sidecargo opening 404 facilitates ingress into and egress from the cargocompartment 402 from the right side 18 of the delivery vehicle 10. Therear cargo opening 406 is positioned at the rear end 16 of the deliveryvehicle 10. The rear cargo opening 406 facilitates ingress into andegress from the cargo compartment 402 from the rear end 16 of thedelivery vehicle 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cargocompartment 402 is configured to receive and store parcels (e.g., mail,packages, etc.) for transport and delivery via the delivery vehicle 10.In some embodiments, the cargo compartment 402 includes cabinets,shelves, racks, and/or other storage devices to facilitate organizingand securing the parcels within the cargo compartment 402.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the partition 600 is a partial partitionthat defines an opening, shown as passageway 602, that connects thedriver compartment 202 to the cargo compartment 402. In someembodiments, the partition 600 includes a door or gate that at leastpartially and selectively encloses the passageway 602. In otherembodiments, the partition 600 is a full partition that completelysegregates the driver compartment 202 from the cargo compartment 402.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the side door assembly 700 includes a first door,shown driver cab door 800, a second door, shown as side cargo door 1000,and a locking assembly, shown as door locking assembly 1200. The drivercab door 800 extends over the right cab opening 204 and is selectivelyopenable to access the driver compartment 202. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the driver cab door 800 translates or slides rearward alongthe right side 18 of the body 100 from a closed position to an openposition (e.g., such that the driver cab door 800 at least partiallyoverlaps with the side cargo door 1000, extends past the B-pillar 114,etc.). In other embodiments, the driver cab door 800 is hingedly coupledto the body 100 (e.g., the A-pillar 112, etc.) and pivots between aclosed position and an open position. As shown in FIG. 7 , the drivercab door 800 includes a panel, shown as door panel 802, and a windowassembly, shown as window assembly 900, disposed within the door panel802. According to an exemplary, the delivery vehicle 10 includes asecond cab door or passenger cab door positioned on the left side 20 ofthe cab 200 that extends over the left cab opening 206 and isselectively openable to access the driver compartment 202. The passengercab door can similarly slide or pivot between an open position and aclosed positioned to facilitate ingress into and egress from the cab 200from the left side 20 of the delivery vehicle 10. According to anexemplary embodiment, the passenger cab door similarly includes a windowdisposed therein.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the side cargo door 1000 extends over the sidecargo opening 404 and is selectively openable to access the cargocompartment 402. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side cargodoor 1000 translates or slides forward along the right side 18 of thebody 100 from a closed position to an open position (e.g., such that theside cargo door 1000 at least partially overlaps with the driver cabdoor 800, toward the A-pillar 112, etc.). In another embodiment, theside cargo door 1000 translates or slides rearward along the right side18 of the body 100 from a closed position to an open position (e.g.,away from the right cab opening 204, toward the C-pillar 116, etc.). Inother embodiments, the side cargo door 1000 is hingedly coupled to thebody 100 (e.g., the B-pillar 114, etc.) and pivots between a closedposition and an open position. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedelivery vehicle 10 includes a rear door assembly that includes a rearcargo door. The rear cargo door extends over the rear cargo opening 406and is selectively openable to access the cargo compartment 402.

Visibility Enhancements

According to an exemplary embodiment, the design of the delivery vehicle10 and the arrangement of the components thereof (e.g., the front end 14of the frame 12, the engine 72, the hood 110, the A-pillars 112, thedriver seat 210, the driver cab door 800, the passenger cab door, etc.)provide various visibility enhancements that improve the visibility ofthe driver out of the cab 200.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 , the frame 12 includes a pair of framerails, shown as frame rails 30, that define the engine compartment 24and provide mounting locations for the engine 72. According to anexemplary embodiment, the engine 72 is undersized or smaller than atypical engine used in a vehicle of the weight and size of the deliveryvehicle 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the delivery vehicle10 has (i) overall dimensions of between 4.5 meters to 7.5 meters (e.g.,5 meters to 7 meters, 5.5 meters to 6.5 meters, 5.5 meters to 6 meters,etc.) and (ii) a weight of between 4,000 to 7,500 lbs. (e.g., 4,000;4,500; 5,000; 5,500; 6,000; 6,500; 7,000; 7,500; etc. lbs.). In oneembodiment, the engine 72 is a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine thatoutputs approximately 250 horsepower or less. Further, according to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , such an undersized engine 72 canbe transversely mounted between the frame rails 30 at a lower positionthan is typical, which minimizes the length of the engine 72 along thecentral axis 22 and the height at which engine 72 extends verticallywithin the engine compartment 24. Accordingly, the front end 14 of theframe 12 and the engine compartment 24 defined thereby can be morecompact and truncated, which allows for a shorter hood 110, therebyproviding enhanced forward visibility from the driver compartment 202over the hood 110.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 8-11 , the frame 12, the engine 72, thefront axle 60, and the suspension components (e.g., coilovers, etc.) ofthe delivery vehicle 10 are arranged to provide an enhanced position ofthe driver seat 210 and, therefore, improve the visibility from thedriver seat 210 within the driver compartment 202. As shown in FIGS. 8and 9 , the frame 12 includes suspension interfaces, shown as jouncetowers 32, coupled to and extending upward from the frame rails 30, anda rear firewall, shown as firewall 40, positioned rearward of the jouncetowers 32. Specifically, the arrangement of the frame rails 30 and thejounce towers 32 facilitate positioning the engine 72, the front axle60, and the suspension components forward of the firewall 40 such thatdesign of the firewall 40 (e.g., the shape, position, etc.) thereof isindependent of such components. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 , thefirewall 40 can be substantially flat and arranged substantiallyvertically, which maximizes the space of the driver compartment 202 ofthe cab 200 and facilitates positioning the driver seat 210 in a moredesirable position to improve visibility.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the arrangement of the firewall 40,the jounce towers 32, the front axle 60, and the engine 72 facilitatescentering the driver seat 210 and a steering assembly, shown as steeringcolumn 220, along a plane, shown as central seating plane 26, spaced afirst distance d₁ from the A-pillar 112 along the right side 18 of thedelivery vehicle 10 relative to a total width w between the A-pillar 112along the right side 18 and the A-pillar 112 along the left side 20 ofthe delivery vehicle 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedistance d₁ is less than 25% of the total width w.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the A-pillars 112 have a length L. Typically, avehicle of similar size to the delivery vehicle 10 has A-pillars thatare less than 0.75 meters long. However, the length L of the A-pillars112 of the delivery vehicle 10 have been extended, which provides alower position of the hood 110 and a larger front windshield, andfurther improves forward visibility from the driver compartment 202.According to an exemplary embodiment, the length L of the A-pillars 112of the delivery vehicle 10 is at least 1.0 meter. In some embodiments,the length L of the A-pillars 112 is at least 1.10 meters (e.g., 1.12meters, 1.15, meters, etc.). As shown in FIG. 12 , the A-pillars 112have an overlapping construction including an inner component, shown asinner portion 112 a, and an outer component, shown as outer portion 112b, overlapping the inner portion 112 a. Such an overlapping constructionimproves strength and, thereby, facilitates reducing the overall size ofthe A-pillars 112, which further improves forward and lateral visibilityout of the driver compartment 202.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the driver cab door 800 is configured such thatdriver cab door 800 (i.e., the door panel 802 and the window assembly900) has a first height h₁ and the window assembly 900 has a secondheight h₂. In some embodiments, the second height h₂ is at least 50% ofthe height h₁. In some embodiments, the second height h₂ is at least 60%of the height h₁. According to an exemplary embodiment, (i) the heighth₁ is between 1.6 meters and 2.4 meters and (ii) the height h₂ isbetween 0.8 meters and 1.4 meters. The passenger cab door may besimilarly arranged. Such an oversized window assembly 900 providesimproved lateral visibility out of the right side 18 and the left side20 of the cab 200 of the delivery vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the driver seat 210 is positioned a distance d₂forward of the rear edge of the window assembly 900. While the distanced₂ is variable (e.g., based on driver seating position preference,etc.), the distance d₂ is at least four inches when the driver seat 210is in a position suitable for a male being in the 95^(th) heightpercentile (e.g., approximately 6 feet 1 inch). Such a distance d₂provides various advantages. First, when the driver reaches out of thewindow assembly 900 (e.g., to deposit mail into a mail box, etc.), thetrailing edge of the driver cab door 800 is sufficiently spaced from thedriver to effectively eliminate inadvertent contact between the trailingedge of the driver cab door 800 and the driver's arm. Second, thedistance d₂ provides enhanced lateral visibility because the driver cansee further back along the right side 18 and the left side 20 of thedelivery vehicle 10, thereby reducing blind spots.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the cab 200 includes speed controls, shownas controls 230, including a first pedal, shown as accelerator pedal232, and a second pedal, shown as brake pedal 234. According to anexemplary embodiment, the brake pedal 234 has a special offset tointerface with the master brake cylinder.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17 , the various visibility enhancements describedherein facilitate providing an enhanced visibility envelope, shownvisibility envelope 300. The visibility envelope 300 is defined byvarious planes including a first plane, shown as rear right visibilityplane 310; a second plane, shown as rear left visibility plane 320; athird pair of planes, shown as right A-pillar planes 330, including afirst right A-pillar plane, shown as inner right A-pillar plane 332, anda second right A-pillar plane, shown as outer right A-pillar plane 334;and a fourth pair of planes, shown as left A-pillar planes 340,including a first left A-pillar plane, shown as inner left A-pillarplane 342, and a second left A-pillar plane, shown as outer leftA-pillar plane 344.

As shown in FIG. 17 , the driver seat 210 is positioned (e.g., at aposition defined by the distance d₁ and the distance d₂, in the 95^(th)height percentile position, etc.) such that, relative to a forwardlooking direction 212 (e.g., a direction parallel with the central axis22), (i) the rear right visibility plane 310 extends at angle θ from thetrailing edge of the window assembly 900 along the right side 18 of thedelivery vehicle 10 and (ii) the rear left visibility plane 320 extendsat angle α from the trailing edge of the window assembly 900 along theleft side 20 of the delivery vehicle 10. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the angle θ and the angle α are greater than 90 degrees. Insome embodiment, the angle θ and the angle α are at least 95 degrees. Insome embodiment, the angle θ and the angle α are at least 100 degrees.In some embodiments, the angle θ is at least 110 degrees. In someembodiments, the angle θ is at least 120 degrees. In some embodiments,the angle θ is at least 130 degrees. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17 , the angle θ is 135 degrees and theangle α is 100 degrees with the driver seat 210 at the distance d₂ inthe 95^(th) height percentile position. It should be understood that theangle θ and the angle α would increase if the driver seat 210 were movedforward from the 95^(th) height percentile position by the driver (i.e.to accommodate a shorter height of the driver), thereby, increasing thedistance d₂.

As shown in FIG. 17 , the A-pillars 112 are configured (as describedabove) to minimize visibility obstruction such that (i) the rightA-pillar planes 330, depicting the visibility obstruction of the rightA-pillar 112 from the driver seat 210, block only an angle β of thedriver's view and (ii) the left A-pillar planes 340, depicting thevisibility obstruction of the left A-pillar 112 from the driver seat210, block only an angle γ of the driver's view. According to anexemplary embodiment, the angle β is at most 11.5 degrees and the angleγ is at most 5 degrees. According to an exemplary embodiment, thevisibility range of the visibility envelope 300 (i.e., from the rearright visibility plane 310 to the rear left visibility plane 320, minusthe angle β and the angle γ) from the driver seat 210 with the distanced₂ in the 95^(th) height percentile position (e.g., with the angle θ of135 degrees, with the angle α of 100 degrees, with the angle β of 11.5degrees, with the angle of γ of 5 degrees, etc.) is approximately 218.5degrees. The visibility from the driver seat 210 is dependent on thedistance d₂, however. Therefore, the visibility range may be betweenapproximately 163.5 degrees (e.g., when the driver seat 210 is fullyback, etc.) and approximately 240 degrees (e.g., when the driver seat210 is fully forward, etc.) depending on the minimum distance d₂ and themaximum distance d₂ of the driver seat 210, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17 , the visibility envelope 300 includes adownward sloping perimeter plane, shown as lower boundary visibilityplane 350, that extends downward from the driver seat 210 (e.g., fromthe approximate eye position of a male being in the 95^(th) heightpercentile, etc.), out of the driver compartment 202, and to the upperedge of a peripheral plane, shown as visibility periphery 360. Thevisibility periphery 360 is spaced a distance D around the deliveryvehicle 10 (i.e., the right side 18 of the cab 200, the outer peripheryof the hood 110, the left side 20 of the cab 200) through the visibilityrange of the visibility envelope 300 and extends vertically a height H.According to an exemplary embodiment, (i) the distance D is between 0.9meters and 2 meters (e.g., 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,1.8, 1.9, 2.0, etc. meters) and (ii) the height H is between 0.3 metersand 0.6 meters (e.g., 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, etc.meters). It should be understood that the distance D and the height Hwill be different for drivers of different heights (i.e., not in themale 95^(th) height percentile).

Repositionable Seating Unit

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-23 , thedelivery vehicle 10 includes a repositionable storage rack, shown asmail tray 260, and a repositionable seating unit, shown as training seatunit 270, that are selectively interchangeable with one another at afirst location, shown as first position 250, on the left side 20 of thedriver compartment 202 of the cab 200 next to the driver seat 210. Asshown in FIG. 18 , the mail tray 260 includes a pair of supports, shownas end supports 262, and a plurality of trays, shown as trays 264,extending between the end supports 262 in a stacked arrangement.According to an exemplary embodiment, the trays 264 are configured totemporarily store parcels (e.g., mail, packages, etc.) that are nearingtheir delivery locations. In some embodiments, the mail tray 260 is freestanding. In some embodiments, the mail tray 260 is selectivelysecurable to a first floor portion of the body 100, shown as cab floor208, and/or the partition 600 (e.g., bolted, clipped, engages with atrack, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 19-21 , the mail tray 260 is removed from the firstposition 250 within the driver compartment 202 and replaced with thetraining seat unit 270. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the cab floor 208within the driver compartment 202 includes a first interface, shown ascab seat interface 252, that defines a pair of slots, shown as cabengagement slots 254, that facilitate coupling the training seat unit270 to the cab floor 208 in the first position 250.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the training seat unit 270 includes aframe assembly, shown as seat frame assembly 272, a padding assembly,shown as cushions 280, and a passenger restraint assembly (e.g., a3-point seatbelt harness, a 5-point seatbelt harness, etc.), shown asseatbelt harness 290, integrated into a single seating unit. The seatframe assembly 272 includes a pair of legs, shown as legs 274; a bottomframe portion, shown as base frame 276, coupled to the legs 274 andextending substantially horizontally; and a back frame portion, shown asback frame 278, coupled to the rear of the base frame 276 and extendingsubstantially vertically therefrom. The cushions 280 include a firstcushion, shown as bottom cushion 282, disposed along the base frame 276,and a second cushion, shown as back cushion 284, disposed along the backframe 278. The seatbelt harness 290 includes a belt, shown as seatbelt292, secured to the seat frame assembly 272 at a plurality of points(e.g., two points, four points, etc.), and a receiver or coupler, shownas seatbelt buckle 294, coupled to the seat frame assembly 272 (e.g.,the base frame 276) and configured to selectively engage a correspondingcoupler or tongue on the seatbelt 292.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the legs 274 of the seat frame assembly 272 areconfigured to interface with the cab engagement slots 254 to facilitatesecuring the training seat unit 270 to the cab floor 208 in the firstposition 250. By way of example, the cab engagement slots 254 mayinclude threaded apertures that receive bolts to secure the legs 274 ofthe seat frame assembly 272 to the cab seat interface 252. By way ofanother example, the cab engagement slots 254 may include threaded studsextending upward therefrom that receive nuts to secure the legs 274 ofthe seat frame assembly 272 to the cab seat interface 252.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the training seat unit 270 is selectivelyrepositionable from the first position 250 within the driver compartment202 to a second location, shown as second position 450, within the cargocompartment 402 of the cargo body 400. The cargo body 400 includes asecond floor portion of the body 100, shown as cargo floor 408. Thecargo floor 408 within the cargo compartment 402 includes a secondinterface, shown as cargo seat interface 452, that defines a pair ofslots, shown as cargo engagement slots 454, that facilitate coupling thetraining seat unit 270 to the cargo floor 408 in the second position450. The legs 274 of the seat frame assembly 272 are configured tointerface with the cargo engagement slots 454 to facilitate securing thetraining seat unit 270 to the cargo floor 408 in the second position450. By way of example, the cargo engagement slots 454 may includethreaded apertures that receive bolts to secure the legs 274 of the seatframe assembly 272 to the cargo seat interface 452. By way of anotherexample, the cargo engagement slots 454 may include threaded studsextending upward therefrom that receive nuts to secure the legs 274 ofthe seat frame assembly 272 to the cargo seat interface 452.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-23 , the cabseat interface 252 and the cargo seat interface 452 provide discretecoupling locations that facilitate selectively repositioning thetraining seat unit 270 between the first position 250 and the secondposition 450. In other embodiments, the cab seat interface 252 and thecargo seat interface 452 are connected along a track assembly/mechanismsuch that the training seat unit 270 is integrated into the cab floor208 and the cargo floor 408 and can be selectively repositioned (e.g.,translated along the track, etc.) between the first position 250 and thesecond position 450 (e.g., through the passageway 602 of the partition600, etc.) without having to detach and move the training seat unit 270between the cab seat interface 252 and the cargo seat interface 452. Insome embodiments, the mail tray 260 is configured to selectively engagewith the cab seat interface 252 and/or the cargo seat interface 452.

Cargo Shelf Assembly

As shown in FIG. 24 , the cargo compartment 402 includes a plurality ofcargo shelf assemblies, shown as shelf assemblies 500, for storing andsecuring parcels (e.g., cargo, mail, packages, etc.) within the cargocompartment 402 during transit operations. The shelf assemblies 500 aremounted to cargo support members, shown as tracks 502, that extend alongouter walls 403 of the cargo compartment 402. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 24 , the tracks 502 are logistics tracks thatinclude a plurality of anchor points along the outer walls 403 of thecargo compartment 402 (e.g., right side wall on the right side 18 of thedelivery vehicle 10, left side wall on the left side 20 of the deliveryvehicle 10, etc.). The tracks 502 may be mounted to the outer walls 403of the cargo compartment 402 using bolts, screws, rivets, or anothersuitable fastener, which extend through openings on either side of thetracks 502. In particular, the openings may be disposed in side flangesthat extend along both sides of the tracks 502 (e.g., side flanges thatextend in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the outerwall 403). As shown in FIG. 24 , a central portion of each track 502protrudes inwardly toward the hollow space or cargo area defined by thecargo compartment 402 and away from the outer walls 403 of the cargocompartment 402. In other embodiments, the tracks 502 may be flushmounted to the outer wall 403 instead of protruding inwardly from theouter wall 403.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the tracks 502 are configured as A-tracks thatinclude a plurality of rectangular shaped openings, shown as slots 504,that are spaced equally along a length of the tracks 502. The slots 504are sized to receive mounting hardware for the shelf assemblies 500therein. The slots 504 provide access to a hollow space between theouter walls 403 of the cargo compartment 402 and a forward surface 506of the tracks 502. The number, shape, and size of the slots 504 maydiffer in various exemplary embodiments. In another embodiment, thetracks 502 are configured as E-tracks that include a tang, lip, ledge,or tab extending outwardly from a perimeter edge of the slots 504 (e.g.,from the perimeter edge of the slots 504 toward the outer wall 403 ofthe cargo compartment 402). The additional structure included with theE-track allows for increased load capacity as compared to the A-track,but has a higher cost than the A-track. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the shelf assembly 500 is interchangeably couplable toA-track, E-track, and/or various other logistics track designs (e.g.,the shelf assembly 500 may be structured to connect to both an A-trackand an E-track without changing any components of the shelf assembly500, etc.). In other embodiments, the tracks 502 may be another tracktype, such as an F-track, an L-track, and/or another logistics trackstructure suited for anchoring and tie down within the delivery vehicle10. The tracks 502 may be made from galvanized and/or painted steel,aluminum, or another suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 24 , each of the tracks 502 is disposed proximate to aside wall of the cargo compartment 402 (e.g., a right side wall on theright side 18 of the delivery vehicle 10 as shown in FIG. 24 , a leftside wall on the left side 20 of the delivery vehicle 10, etc.). Asshown in FIG. 24 , the tracks 502 include a first plurality of tracks508 disposed at regular intervals along the length (e.g., front to back,etc.) of the cargo compartment 402. Each one of the first plurality oftracks 508 extends upwardly from a lower wall 21 (e.g., floor, etc.) ofthe cargo compartment 402, from a perimeter of the lower wall 21, insubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to an upper surface 23of the lower wall 21. In other words, each one of the first plurality oftracks 508 is arranged substantially vertically. In the embodiment ofFIG. 24 , the tracks 508 are spaced at approximately equal intervalsalong the length of the lower wall 21, in a direction parallel to thecentral axis 22 of the delivery vehicle 10. A distance 510 betweenadjacent tracks of the first plurality of tracks 508 (e.g., between acenterline of adjacent tracks 508), along the central axis 22,corresponds to a width 511 of each individual shelf assembly 500. Inother embodiments, the spacing between the adjacent tracks of the firstplurality of tracks 508 and/or the number of tracks 508 may bedifferent.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the tracks 502 in the cargo compartment 402includes a second plurality of tracks, shown as load retainer tracks512, that engage with and extend between adjacent ones of the firstplurality of tracks 508. The load retainer tracks 512 are arranged in asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to the first pluralityof tracks 508 and are spaced at approximately equal intervals along theheight of the outer walls 403. As shown in FIG. 25 , the slots 504 inthe load retainer tracks 512 are oriented perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the load retainer tracks 512 such that the slots504 in the load retainer tracks 512 are substantially aligned with acorresponding one of the slots 504 in the first plurality of tracks 508.In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent ones of the loadretainer tracks 512, the first plurality of tracks 508, and/or betweenadjacent slots 504 within the load retainer tracks 512 or the firstplurality of tracks 508, conforms to standard spacing requirements usedin semi-trucks, line haul vans, and other cargo transport vehicles. Assuch, the shelf assemblies 500 may be used in other applications otherthan the delivery vehicle 10. Among other benefits, the combination ofthe first plurality of tracks 508 and the load retainer tracks 512reinforce the cargo compartment 402 (e.g., the outer walls 403, etc.)under externally applied loads (e.g., wind, etc.) and under the weightof the shelf assemblies 500 and parcels.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shelf assemblies 500 can bemounted into either the first plurality of tracks 508, the load retainertracks 512, or a combination thereof. The shelf assemblies 500 areheight adjustable and may be connected to any of the slots along thelength of the first plurality of tracks 508 or the load retainer tracks512. In the delivery vehicle 10 of FIG. 24 , a total of four shelfassemblies 500 are positioned along the one of the outer walls 403 ofthe cargo compartment 402 and a total of two shelf assemblies 500 arepositioned along the other outer wall 403 (not shown). The shelfassemblies 500 are arranged in horizontally aligned pairs along thelength of the cargo compartment 402. In other embodiments, the numberand/or arrangement of the shelf assemblies 500 within the cargocompartment 402 is different.

As shown in FIG. 25 , each shelf assembly 500 includes a shelf, shown astray 514; a frame mount portion, shown as connector 516; and a levelingelement, shown as strap 518. The tray 514 is hingedly coupled to thetracks 502 (e.g., the first plurality of tracks 508) via the connectors516 on either side of the tray 514. A forward end 532 of the tray 514,along both sides of the tray 514, is connected to straps 518. The straps518 support the weight of the tray 514 and the weight of any parcelspositioned on the tray 514. The straps 518 may be tightened (e.g.,tensioned, etc.) to rotate the tray 514 upwards toward a ceiling (e.g.,upper wall) of the cargo compartment 402 (e.g., to set a height of thetray 514 at a forward end 532 of the tray 514, to level the tray 514with respect to the lower wall 21 of the cargo compartment 402, etc.).

The tray 514 is sized and/or shaped to accommodate parcels within thecargo compartment 402 and to substantially prevent movement of theparcels within the cargo compartment 402 during transit operations. Asshown in FIG. 25 , the tray 514 is a rectangular platform that includesa base wall 520 and a plurality of end walls 522 extending upwardly froman outer perimeter of the base wall 520, in substantially perpendicularorientation relative to the base wall 520. The end walls 522 togetherform an outer lip that substantially prevents parcels and cargo fromsliding off of the shelf assemblies 500 while the delivery vehicle 10 isin motion. In other embodiments, the size and/or shape of the tray 514may be different. For example, a base wall 520 of the tray 514 may curveupwardly at the forward end 532 to prevent the parcels from slidingacross the base wall 520 while the delivery vehicle 10 is in motion(e.g., to urge parcels toward the outer wall 403 of the cargocompartment 402, etc.). In the embodiment of FIG. 25 , the end walls 522are formed by bending the edges of the base wall 520 at an approximately90 degree angle and welding or otherwise connecting the end walls 522together (e.g., via tabs that extend from either end of each end wall522, etc.). As such, the end walls 522 and the base wall 520 are formedtogether as a single unitary body. In other embodiments, the end walls522 may be formed as separate pieces from the base wall 520 and weldedto the base wall 520 and/or fastened to the base wall 520 using screws,bolts, rivets, or another suitable mechanical fastener.

As shown in FIG. 26 , the tray 514 is hingedly coupled to the tracks 502by the connectors 516 at both sides of the tray 514 along a back end 524of the tray 514. The connectors 516 are detachably coupled to the track502 via the slots 504. According to an exemplary embodiment, theconnectors 516 are snap-in couplings (e.g., clips, etc.) that engagewith a perimeter edge of the slots 504 (e.g., an upper and lower edge ofthe slots 504, opposing edges of the slots 504, etc.). As shown in FIG.26 , the connectors 516 also include a fastener 526 (e.g., a blot,screw, etc.) that prevents removal of the connector 516 from the track502 without a separate tool (e.g., wrench, socket, etc.) to disengagethe fastener 526 from the connector 516. Among other benefits, using afastener 526 to lock the connector 516 to the track 502 preventsinadvertent removal of the connectors 516 by the operator of thedelivery vehicle 10, thereby preventing the trays 514 and/or othercomponents of the shelf assembly 500 from becoming misplaced or damaged.In other embodiments, the connectors 516 are snap-on clips, latches, orother quick-connect devices that can be disassembled without a separatetool.

As shown in FIG. 26 , the end walls 522 at either side of the tray 514include a mounting flange, shown as mounting leg 527, that engages theconnector 516. The mounting leg 527 is integrally formed with the endwall 522 and extends upwardly from the end wall 522 at a location thatis adjacent to the back end 524 of the tray 514. As shown in FIG. 26 ,each mounting leg 527 includes an opening 528 sized to receive arotational coupling, shown as pin 530, of the connector 516 therein. Thepin 530 rotatably couples the mounting leg 527 to the connector 516 suchthat the tray 514 may rotate upwardly toward a ceiling of the cargocompartment 402. The tray 514 is, therefore, rotatable between a stowedposition (e.g., an upright position in which the tray 514 is raised intosubstantially parallel orientation relative to the outer wall 403) andan in-use position (e.g., a lowered position in which the back end wall522 of the tray 514 is brought into contact with the tracks 502). Asshown in FIG. 26 , the mounting leg 527 engages (e.g., contacts) theconnector 516 along a side surface of the connector 516 such that theconnectors 516 are disposed inboard of the mounting legs 527. In otherembodiments, the shape and/or position of the mounting legs 527 relativeto the connectors 516 is different.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the tray 514 andthe tracks 502 includes a bumper (e.g., a stop, a grommet, etc.) that isconfigured to prevent the tray 514 from damaging the outer wall 403 ofthe cargo compartment 402 in either the stowed or in-use position. Insome embodiments, the position of the bumper is adjustable to allow auser to customize the location of the tray 514 in the stowed and/orin-use position. For example, the bumper may be threadably engaged tothe tray 514 to facilitate repositioning of the bumper relative to thebase wall 520.

As shown in FIG. 24 , each shelf assembly 500 includes at least onestrap 518. The straps 518 support the weight of the tray 514, and anyparcels loaded onto the tray 514, in the in-use position. The straps 518also facilitate leveling of the tray 514 (e.g., positioning the tray 514in substantially parallel orientation relative to the lower wall 21 ofthe cargo compartment 402, orienting the tray 514 substantiallyhorizontally, etc.). Additionally, the straps 518 facilitate raising thetray 514 from the in-use position to the stowed position. According toan exemplary embodiment, each shelf assembly 500 includes a pair ofstraps 518, with each strap 518 positioned on an opposing side of thetray 514. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 27-29 , each strap 518 includes atrack connector, shown as T-bar connector 536; a first strap portion,shown as first flexible tether 538; a second strap portion, shown assecond flexible tether 539; an adjustable member or adjustor, shown astension element 540; and a tray connector, shown as bracket 542. Inother embodiments, each strap 518 may include additional, fewer, and/ordifferent components.

As shown in FIG. 24 , each strap 518 extends at an oblique angle betweenthe track 502 and the tray 514. As shown in FIG. 27 , a first end 544 ofeach strap 518 is mounted to the tray 514 by the bracket 542. Thebracket 542 includes a first opening, shown as hole 545, that is sizedto receive a fastener, shown as pin 546, therein to rotatably couple thebracket 542 to an end wall 522 of the tray 514. As shown in FIG. 27 ,the bracket 542 is rotatably coupled to a side end wall 522 of the tray514 proximate to the forward end 532 of the tray 514. In otherembodiments, the bracket 542 may be coupled to another portion of thetray 514 (e.g., the end wall 522 at an intermediate position between theforward end 532 and the back end 524, half way between the forward end532 and the back end 524, etc.). The bracket 542 also includes a secondopening, shown as slot 548, that is positioned on an opposing end of thebracket 542 relative to the hole 545. The slot 548 is sized toaccommodate the first flexible tether 538, which couples the bracket 542to the tension element 540. As shown in FIG. 27 , the first flexibletether 538 is looped through the slot 548 and secured to (e.g., loopedaround, anchored to, hooked to, etc.) a lower pin 550 of the tensionelement 540.

As shown in FIG. 28 , a second end 552 of each strap 518 is mounted tothe tracks 502 by the T-bar connector 536. The T-bar connector 536 isdetachably coupled to the tracks 502 and may be repositioned to otherslots 504 within the tracks 502. A first end 554 of the T-bar connector536 includes a “T” shaped extension 556 that is sized to be receivedwithin the slots 504. A second end 557 of the T-bar connector 536includes an opening, shown as slot 558, that is sized to accommodate thesecond flexible tether 539. A user engages the T-bar connector 536 withthe tracks 502 by aligning the “T” shaped extension 556 with the slots504 and pressing the “T” shaped extension 556 into the hollow spacebetween the tracks 502 and the outer wall 403 of the cargo compartment402. The user then twists the T-bar connector 536 approximately 90degrees (e.g., in a clockwise direction, in a counterclockwisedirection) to reorient the “T” shaped extension 556 perpendicular to theslots 504 and engage the “T” shaped extension 556 with the side edges ofthe slots 504. The weight of the tray 514 and parcels draws the “T”shaped extension 556 against the tracks 502, which substantiallyprevents rotation of the T-bar connector 536 (e.g., prevents the T-barconnector 536 from disengaging the track 502 after being installed intothe slot 504).

The second flexible tether 539 connects the T-bar connector 536 to thetension element 540. As shown in FIG. 28 , the second flexible tether539 is looped around and slidably engaged to the T-bar connector 536(e.g., slot 558) to facilitate repositioning and/or leveling of the tray514. As shown in FIG. 29 , a first end 560 of the second flexible tether539 is secured to (e.g., looped around, anchored to, hooked to, etc.) anupper pin 562 of the tension element 540. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the first flexible tether 538 and the second flexible tether539 are made from a weather-resistant webbing (e.g., polyester webbing,etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tension element 540 is a cinchcam strap buckle that includes a manually repositionable toggle 564(e.g., clamp, cam, buckle, etc.). The toggle 564 presses against thesecond flexible tether 539 to pinch the strap against a lower surface ofthe tension element 540 (e.g., a friction bar, etc.). The force appliedto the second flexible tether 539 by the toggle 564 locks the secondflexible tether 539 in position and prevents the second flexible tether539 from retracting through the tension element 540. In otherembodiments, the tension element 540 is a ratchet strap buckle oranother type of adjustable strap buckle. As shown in FIG. 29 , a secondend 566 (e.g., free end) of the second flexible tether 539 passesthrough the toggle 564 toward the forward end 532 of the tray 514. Thesecond end 566 of the second flexible tether 539 extends beyond thetoggle 564 and away from the outer wall 403 of the cargo compartment402. In order to raise the forward end 532 of the tray 514, a user pullson the second end 566 of the second flexible tether 539 towardthemselves (into the enclosed space defined by the cargo compartment402) and away from the outer wall 403 of the cargo compartment 402.According to an exemplary embodiment, the second end 566 of the secondflexible tether 539 includes a loop (e.g., the second flexible tether539 is looped back onto itself) to facilitate user interaction with thesecond flexible tether 539 when raising and lowering the tray 514. Amongother benefits, the arrangement and position of the second end 566 ofthe second flexible tether 539 provides a user-friendly and ergonomicmechanism for repositioning (e.g., leveling, raising, etc.) the tray514.

Door Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 30-48 generally, the side door assembly 700 is shownin additional detail. As explained above, the side door assembly 700includes the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000 thattogether extend along the right side 18 of the body 100 and selectivelypermit access into the delivery vehicle 10. The driver cab door 800 andthe side cargo door 1000 are slidably coupled to body 100 and eachindependently movable along parallel guide rails having tracks thatextend both above and below the right cab opening 204 and the side cargoopening 404. By sliding rather than rotating about hinges, the drivercab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000 provide significantly lessinterference for a person or object moving into or out of the deliveryvehicle 10. For example, when the side cargo door 1000 is in the openposition, a person or object has nearly unobstructed access to theentire side cargo opening 404. While traditional hinged doors mayrequire a person or object to be moved into or out of the cargocompartment 402 at an angle, the side door assembly 700 avoids theseproblems by eliminating potential sources of interference. Additionally,the side door assembly 700 reduces the lateral footprint of the deliveryvehicle 10. The reduced lateral footprint of the delivery vehicle 10allows the improved transfer of items into and out of the cargocompartment 402 or the driver compartment 202 by allowing the deliveryvehicle 10 to park closer to mailboxes and other parcel transfer points,for example. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side doorassembly 700 is contained entirely between the front axle 60 and therear axle 64. In addition, the overlapping nature of the driver cab door800 and the side cargo door 1000 restricts use of the delivery vehicle10 before each of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000within the side door assembly 700 have been returned to their respectiveclosed and secured positions (e.g., if the side cargo door 1000 is open,the operator cannot open the driver cab door 800 to get into the cab 200and, therefore, ensures the side cargo door 1000 is not left openinadvertently while driving).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 30-33 , the configuration and operationof the side door assembly 700 is depicted. As explained above, the sidedoor assembly 700 includes the driver cab door 800 and the side cargodoor 1000 that are each slidably coupled to one or more guide rails 702,704 that extend along the body 100 of the delivery vehicle 10. In someexamples, a first guide rail 702 extends along the body 100, above andacross each of the right cab opening 204 and the side cargo opening 404.The first guide rail 702 can be integrally formed within or otherwisemounted (e.g., fastened, welded, glued, etc.) to the body 100. As shownin FIGS. 30 and 39 , the first guide rail 702 extends from the A-pillar112, across the B-pillar 114, and to the C-pillar 116 on the right side18 of the body 100. Similarly, the second guide rail 704 extends alongthe body 100, below and across each of the right cab opening 204 and theside cargo opening 404. As shown in FIG. 39 , fasteners 706 can be usedto mount the second guide rail 704 to steps 708, 710 that extend beneathand across the right cab opening 204 and the side cargo opening 404,respectively.

The first guide rail 702 and second guide rail 704 collectively definethe movement of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000relative to the body 100 and relative to the right cab opening 204 andside cargo opening 404. The first guide rail 702 and the second guiderail 704 define two parallel and laterally offset tracks 712, 714 toseparately receive the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000and allow relative motion between the driver cab door 800 and the sidecargo door 1000 about parallel axes. As shown in FIGS. 30, 32, and 33 ,each of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000 are movablebetween multiple positions. In FIG. 30 , for example, the driver cabdoor 800 and the side cargo door 1000 are each in a “closed position.”In the “closed” or first position, the driver cab door 800 extendsacross the right cab opening, from the B-pillar 114 to the A-pillar 112to effectively seal off and cover the right cab opening 204 so thatmovement into and out of the driver compartment 202 is restricted.

The driver cab door 800 can be opened to allow a driver to enter or exitthe driver compartment 202 of the body 100. To access the drivercompartment 202, the driver cab door 800 can slide rearward along thefirst guide rail 702 and the second guide rail 704 toward an “open,” orsecond position, as shown in FIG. 32 . Because the driver cab door 800and the side cargo door 1000 are received within separate and offsettracks 712, 714 within the guide rails 702, 704, the driver cab door 800and the side cargo door 1000 can move independently of one another. Asthe driver cab door 800 is urged backward along the guide rails 702,704, the door panel 802 no longer spans across the entire right cabopening 204. The driver cab door 800 can be moved rearward, behind theside cargo door 1000, until the driver cab door 800 engages a stop. Insome examples, the stop is positioned within one or both of the firstand second guide rails 702, 704. Alternatively, the stop can be createdby interference between a handle assembly 750 and the side cargo door1000. The stop prevents continued rearward movement of the driver cabdoor 800, and defines the fully open or second position. In the secondposition, the driver cab door 800 is offset from the right cab opening204 but extends across at least a portion of the side cargo opening 404.In the second position, the door panel 802 is offset rearward so that atleast half (e.g., about 70%) of the door panel 802 extends rearward ofthe B-pillar 114. In some examples, the stop includes a releasablelocking mechanism that is coupled to the B-pillar 114 to hold the drivercab door 800 in the fully open position. As explained below, the lockingmechanism can be unlocked by actuating the first handle assembly 750.

Like the driver cab door 800, the side cargo door 1000 can also be movedalong the first and second guide rails 702, 704 between multiplepositions. As shown in FIG. 30 , the side cargo door 1000 is in a“closed” or third position. In the closed position, the side cargo door1000 extends across the side cargo opening 404, from the B-pillar 114 tothe C-pillar 116 to effectively seal off and cover the side cargoopening 404 so that movement into and out of the cargo compartment 402is restricted. When the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000are both in the closed position (e.g., the first and third positions),the side cargo door 1000 overlaps a portion (e.g., about 5%) of thedriver cab door 800.

The side cargo door 1000 can also be opened to allow a driver or workerto enter or exit the cargo compartment 402 of the cargo body 400 throughthe side cargo opening 404. To access the cargo compartment 402, theside cargo door 1000 can slide forward along the first guide rail 702and the second guide rail 704 toward an “open,” or fourth position, asshown in FIG. 33 . Because the driver cab door 800 and the side cargodoor 1000 are received within separate and offset tracks 712, 714 withinthe guide rails 702, 704, the side cargo door 1000 can moveindependently of the driver cab door 800 forward, toward the front axle60. As the side cargo door 1000 is urged forward along the guide rails702, 704, a door panel 1002 of the side cargo door 1000 no longer spansacross the entire side cargo opening 404, and instead extends across aportion of the right cab opening 204, which may already be covered bythe driver cab door 800. The side cargo door 1000 can be moved forward,over the driver cab door 800, until the side cargo door 1000 engages astop. In some examples, the stop is positioned within one or both of thefirst and second guide rails 702, 704. Alternatively, the stop can becreated by interference between a handle assembly 750 and the side cargodoor 1000. The stop prevents continued forward movement of the sidecargo door 1000, and defines the fully open or fourth position. In thefourth position, the side cargo door 1000 is offset forward from theside cargo opening 404 but may extend across at least a portion of theside cargo opening 404. In the fourth position, the door panel 1002 isoffset forward so that at least half (e.g., about 70%) of the door panel1002 extends forward and beyond the B-pillar 114. In some examples, thestop includes a releasable catch mechanism that is mounted to one of thedriver cab door 800 or the B-pillar 114 to prevent the side cargo door1000 from transitioning away from the fourth, fully open position unlessactuated (e.g., by the second handle assembly 752, explained below).

Referring to FIG. 34 , the first guide rail 702 is shown in additionaldetail. The first guide rail 702 generally includes a support partition720 that receives and secures two angled members 722, 724 that togetherform the first track 712 and the second track 714. The support partition720 has a flat guiding section 726 and a mounting flange 728 extending(e.g., perpendicularly) away from the guiding section 726. In someexamples, the mounting flange 728 defines apertures (not shown) that canbe used to secure the support partition 720 and first guide rail 702,more generally, to the body 100. In some examples, the mounting flange728 can also be used to couple the angled members 722, 724 to thesupport partition 720.

The angled members 722, 724 each generally include a flat upper surface730, 732, a wall 734, 736 extending perpendicularly away from the flatupper surface 730, 732, and a V-shaped trough 738, 740 extending inwardfrom an end of the wall 734, 736 opposite the flat upper surface 730,732. In some examples, the wall 734 of the first angled member 722 istaller (e.g., the wall 734 extends downward further) than the wall 736of the second angled member 724. Accordingly, the v-shaped trough 738 ofthe first angled member 722 sits lower than the v-shaped trough 740 ofthe second angled member 724. The flat upper surface 730, 732, the wall734, 736, and the v-shaped trough 738, 740 each extend an entire lengthof the respective angled member 722, 724.

The v-shaped troughs 738, 740 and the walls 734, 736 define the firsttrack 712 and the second track 714, and allow the driver cab door 800and the side cargo door 1000 to slide along the body 100. Each of thedriver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000 include rollerassemblies 780, 782 that are received within and movable along thetracks 712, 714. As shown in FIG. 34 , a first roller assembly 780coupled to the driver cab door 800 is received within the v-shapedtrough 738 of the first angled member 722. The first roller assembly 780includes a mounting plate 784 that extends upward from a top of the doorpanel 802. The mounting plate 784 supports eyelet plates 786. The eyeletplates 786 each receive a roller shaft 788 that includes a wheel 790positioned at a distal end thereof. The wheel 790 is configured to rollwithin the v-shaped trough 738. The sloped edges of the v-shaped trough738 direct the wheel 790 and the first roller assembly 780, moregenerally, within the first track 712. In some examples, a secondarywheel 792 extends upwardly from the driver cab door 800. The secondarywheel 792 rolls along the wall 734, and rotates about an axisperpendicular to an axis of the wheel 790. Similar structures can beused on the top of the side cargo door 1000 to interact with the secondtrack 714. Additionally, similar roller assemblies 780, 782 can becoupled to the bottoms of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargodoor 1000 to interact with the second guide rail 704.

With additional reference to FIGS. 34-37 , a sealing arrangement 820within the side door assembly 700 is shown in additional detail. Thesealing arrangement 820 is generally formed of one or more resilientseals 822, 824, 826 that extend along the external edges and interfacesformed between different components of the side door assembly 700. Forexample, the seal 822 partially surrounds and extends along a length ofthe support partition 720. The seal 822 includes a lip 828 that caninteract with the driver cab door 800, for example, to restrict orprevent fluid flow between the first guide rail 702 and the driver cabdoor 800 which may otherwise reach the driver compartment 202.

In some examples, the sealing arrangement 820 includes a main fluid seal826 positioned between the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door1000. A seal carrier 830 is coupled to a rearward edge of the door panel802, and extends along at least a portion of the height (e.g., theentire height) of the driver cab door 800. The seal carrier 830 includesa mounting portion 832 and a retainer portion 834. The mounting portion832 is defined by a flat, flange-like surface that extends along thedriver cab door 800. The mounting portion 832 can be adhesively coupledto the driver cab door 800, for example. In some embodiments, themounting portion 832 extends along both the door panel 802 and thewindow assembly 900 of the driver cab door 800. The retainer portion 834angles away from the mounting portion 832 and the driver cab door 800 toform an angled seat. The main fluid seal 826 can be adhesively coupledto the seal carrier 830 and extends along one or more of the retainerportion 834 and the mounting portion 832.

When each of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000 are inthe closed positions, the main fluid seal 826 is compressed between thedriver cab door 800 and the side cargo door 1000. To receive andinteract with the main fluid seal 826, the side cargo door 1000 includesa resilient nose 1004 and pocket 1006 defining a forward portion of thedoor panel 1002. The nose 1004 bends inwardly, away from the generallyflat outer surface of the door panel 1002 and toward the driver cab door800. In some examples, the nose 1004 extends approximately parallel(e.g., within about 20 degrees) to the retainer portion 834 of the sealcarrier 830. The pocket 1006 is formed behind the nose 1004, and isconfigured to receive and interface with a portion of the main fluidseal 826. The nose 1004 is at least partially defined by a cantileveredsegment 1008 that is bent into the door panel 1002. When the driver cabdoor 800 and the side cargo door 1000 are urged toward (or secured in)their closed positions, the main fluid seal 826 is received within thepocket 1006 of the door panel 1002 and the retainer portion 834 of theseal carrier 830. The main fluid seal 826 is compressed by thecantilevered segment 1008 and the nose 1004, generally, which causes themain fluid seal 826 to expand between the driver cab door 800 and theside cargo door 1000 so that fluid is restricted from passing into thebody 100 through the interface formed between the driver cab door 800and the side cargo door 1000 within the side door assembly 700. Theplacement of the main fluid seal 826 is such that the main fluid seal826 does not inhibit rearward motion of the driver cab door 800 towardthe open position or forward motion of the side cargo door 1000 towardthe open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 31, 37, and 38 , the side door assembly 700includes an opening mechanism 748 including two handle assemblies, afirst handle assembly 750 and a second handle assembly 752. The firsthandle assembly 750 is coupled to the driver cab door 800 proximate aforward edge of the door panel 802 and includes an interior handle 754and an exterior handle 756. As shown in FIG. 38 , the interior handle754 includes a lever 758 that rotates relative to a latching mechanism760 mounted along an inside of the door panel 802. The lever 758 isrotatably mounted to the latching mechanism 760 on a proximal end andincludes a gripping portion or section 762 including a finger loop 764and a thumb rest 766 formed on a distal end thereof. Rotation of thelever 758 (e.g., by applying a rearward force using the gripping section762) relative to the latching mechanism 760 releases and decouples alocking latch 768 of the door locking assembly 1200 from the latchingmechanism 760. With the locking latch 768 released from the latchingmechanism 760, the driver cab door 800 can slide away from the closed,first position to the second, open position. Urging the driver cab door800 forward from the second, open position toward the first, closedposition can urge the locking latch 768 into engagement with thelatching mechanism 760 to releasably secure the driver cab door 800 inthe closed position. In some examples, the door locking assembly 1200can be selectively locked in a way that prevents the locking latch 768from decoupling with the latching mechanism 760. Because the doorlocking assembly 1200 is mounted to the body 100 rather than to thedriver cab door 800, the selective coupling formed between the doorlocking assembly 1200 and the latching mechanism 760 prevents rearwardmovement of the driver cab door 800 relative to the body 100 to securethe driver cab door 800 in the first, closed position.

The exterior handle 756 can also be coupled to the latching mechanism760. In some examples, the exterior handle 756 includes an arcuatehandle shaft, shown as handle shaft 770, extending away from a frontportion of the door panel 802. The handle shaft 770 can include a grip772 formed on a distal end of the handle shaft 770, away from thecoupling formed between the handle shaft 770 and the latching mechanism760. Rotation of the exterior handle 756 relative to the driver cab door800 can similarly cause rotation of the latching mechanism 760, whichagain releases and decouples the locking latch 768 of the door lockingassembly 1200 and releases the door panel 802. Once decoupled from thedoor locking assembly 1200, the driver cab door 800 can be slid rearwardtoward the second, open position about the first guide rail 702 and thesecond guide rail 704. The first handle assembly 750 is positionedforward along the door panel 802 so that the first handle assembly 750is positioned forward of the side cargo door 1000 when the side cargodoor 1000 is in its open, fourth position.

The second handle assembly 752 is coupled to the side cargo door 1000.As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the second handle assembly 752 ispositioned proximate the rear edge of the side cargo door 1000 and isvertically (i.e., upwardly) offset from the first handle assembly 750.As shown in FIG. 33 , a latching mechanism 774 mounted to the inside ofthe C-pillar 116 selectively couples with the second handle assembly 752to restrict forward movement of the side cargo door 1000 from the third,closed position to the fourth, open position. When unlocked, rotating anexternal lever 776 of the second handle assembly 752 decouples thesecond handle assembly 752 from the latching mechanism 774 so that theside cargo door 1000 can slide forward, about the first guide rail 702and the second guide rail 704.

The components and structure of the side door assembly 700 allows theside door assembly 700 to be installed onto the body 100 of the deliveryvehicle 10 in a much faster and easier way than traditional doorassemblies. With reference now to FIGS. 39-48 , a rapid assembly processis described in detail.

During an initial step in the build of the delivery vehicle 10 shown inFIG. 39 , the first guide rail 702 and the second guide rail 704 areinstalled. As explained above, the first guide rail 702 extends aboveand across each of the right cab opening 204 and the side cargo opening404. The first guide rail 702 is mounted to (e.g., fastened, welded,glued, etc.) the body 100 so that the first guide rail 702 extends fromthe A-pillar 112, across the B-pillar 114, and to the C-pillar 116 onthe right side 18 of the body 100. The second guide rail 704 isinstalled in a similar manner. The second guide rail 704 extends belowand across each of the right cab opening 204 and the side cargo opening404, and spans the distance from the A-pillar 112, across the B-pillar114, and to the C-pillar 116. The second guide rail 704 can be mountedto the steps 708, 710 and the B-pillar 114 using several fasteners 706.In some examples, the second guide rail 704 can act as an intermediateor lower step that allows a driver or worker to step on the second guiderail 704 prior to climbing onto either of the steps 708, 710 or into thecargo compartment 402 and/or the driver compartment 202. As detailed inFIG. 39 , when the first guide rail 702 is initially installed, each ofthe first (and inner) track 712 and the second (and outer) track 714 mayextend along only a portion of the length of the first guide rail 702.

After the guide rails 702, 704 have been installed onto the body 100,the driver cab door 800 can be installed onto the first tracks 712 ofthe first guide rail 702 and the second guide rail 704, as shown in FIG.40 . The driver cab door 800 is initially loaded onto the guide rails702, 704 near the side cargo opening 404. Because the first and secondtracks 712, 714 do not yet extend the entirety of the guide rails 702,704, the upper portion of the driver cab door 800 can be raised abovefirst guide rail 702 initially during install. The driver cab door 800can extend into the cargo compartment 402, which allows an assembler toposition the bottom of the door panel 802 within the first track 712 ofthe second guide rail 704. With the lower roller assembly 780 of thedoor panel 802 received within the first track 712 of the second guiderail 704, the driver cab door 800 can be slid forward. As the driver cabdoor 800 slides forward along the guide rails 702, 704, the upper rollerassembly 780 of the door panel 802 enters and begins to travel withinthe shortened first track 712 of the first guide rail 702. The drivercab door 800 can be pushed forward, to the first, closed position.

With the driver cab door 800 installed and moved to the first, closedposition, the remaining pieces of the first track 712 can be installedinto the first guide rail 702. As depicted in FIGS. 41 and 42 , theremaining pieces of the first track 712 may be the support partition 720and the first angled member 722 (seen in FIG. 34 ). In some examples,the mounting flange 728 of the support partition 720 is used to mounteach of the support partition 720 and first angled member 722 to thefirst guide rail 702 and to the body 100, generally. With the supportpartition 720 and the first angled member 722 installed onto the firstguide rail 702, the first track 712 is complete, thereby allowing fullsliding motion of the driver cab door 800 between the fully open andfully closed positions.

Once the first track 712 has been fully assembled on the first guiderail 702, the side cargo door 1000 can be installed, as depicted in FIG.43 . Like the installation of the driver cab door 800, the side cargodoor 1000 is initially loaded onto the guide rails 702, 704 near theside cargo opening 404. Because the second track 714 does not yet extendthe entirety of the guide rails 702, 704, the upper portion of the sidecargo door 1000 can be raised above first guide rail 702 initiallyduring install. The side cargo door 1000 can extend into the cargocompartment 402, which allows an assembler to position the bottom of thedoor panel 1002 within the second track 714 of the second guide rail704. With the lower roller assembly 780 of the door panel 1002 receivedwithin the second track 714 of the second guide rail 704, the side cargodoor 1000 can be slid forward. As the side cargo door 1000 slidesforward along the guide rails 702, 704, the upper roller assembly 780 ofthe door panel 1002 enters and begins to travel within the shortenedsecond track 714 of the first guide rail 702, and overlaps the drivercab door 800.

The side cargo door 1000 is then slid forward within the second tracks714 until it reaches the stop at the open, fourth position, shown inFIG. 44 . As indicated above, the side cargo door 1000 can include areleasable catch mechanism that is mounted to one of the driver cab door800 or the B-pillar 114 to prevent the side cargo door 1000 fromtransitioning away from the fourth, fully open position unless actuated(e.g., by the second handle assembly 752, explained above).

With the side cargo door 1000 secured in the fourth, open position, theremaining portions of the second track 714 can be installed onto each ofthe guide rails 702, 704. As depicted in FIGS. 44-46 , additionalguiding components can be secured to the guide rails 702, 704. Forexample, the second angled member 724 can be coupled to the supportpartition 720 or directly to the first guide rail 702 to extend thesecond track 714 along a full length of the first guide rail 702. Withthe second angled member 724 installed, the top roller assembly 780 ofthe side cargo door 1000 can move the side cargo door 1000 between thefully-open, fourth position and the fully-closed, third position withinthe second track 714. As shown in FIG. 46 , a spacer plate 746 can beinstalled along the rear section of the second guide rail 704. Thespacer plate 746 can extend across a portion of the second guide rail704 to protect the second guide rail 704 from being inadvertentlystepped on or damaged. In some examples, the spacer plate 746 shieldsthe lower roller assembly 780 of the driver cab door 800 and separatesthe two tracks 712, 714 of the second guide rail 704. With the spacerplate 746 and the second angled member 724 installed, the side cargodoor 1000 can be slid rearward to the third, closed position shown inFIG. 47 . To release the side cargo door 1000 from the fully openposition, a user can actuate the second handle assembly 752.

Finally, with each of the driver cab door 800 and the side cargo door1000 installed, guide rail covers 810 can be secured to the body 100. Asshown in FIGS. 47 and 48 , the guide rail covers 810 extend above thefirst guide rail 702 and overhang at least a portion of the driver cabdoor 800 and the side cargo door 1000. The guide rail covers 810 canhelp provide additional sealing and further restrict the travel ofunwanted liquids or contaminants into the cargo compartment 402 or thedriver compartment 202. In some examples, the guide rail covers 810 arecurved or flat panels that are bolted or otherwise secured to one ormore of the A-pillar 112, B-pillar 114, or C-pillar 116. In someexamples, the guide rail covers 810 can extend to and be coupled with aroof 118 of the body 100.

Using the above-described delivery vehicle 10 and the side door assembly700, various advantages over conventional delivery vehicles areachieved. The sliding nature of the side door assembly 700 increases theclearance relative to the right cab opening 204 and the side cargoopening 404, and maximizes the available space for moving into and outof the driver compartments 202 and the cargo compartment 402 of thedelivery vehicle 10. The overlapping design of the side door assembly700 restricts and helps to avoid operating the delivery vehicle 10 withthe side cargo door 1000 ajar, since the driver will be largelyobstructed from traveling into the driver compartment 202 when the sidecargo door 1000 is open. As explained above, the side door assembly 700is much easier to install into the delivery vehicle 10 than otherconventional door mechanisms.

Window Assembly

Referring particularly to FIGS. 49-57 , the window assembly 900 is shownin greater detail, according to an exemplary embodiment. The windowassembly 900 can be positioned or configured for a driver's side or apassenger side of the delivery vehicle 10 (e.g., the right side 18 ofthe delivery vehicle 10 or the left side 20 of the delivery vehicle 10),or both. While the window assembly 900 is positioned on the right side18 of the delivery vehicle 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.49-57 , it should be understood that the window assembly 900 may besymmetrically positioned on an opposite side of the delivery vehicle 10(e.g., on the left side 20 of the delivery vehicle 10) or on both theleft side 20 and the right side 18 of the delivery vehicle 10.

The window assembly 900 includes a first window, a first portion, atranslatable window, etc., shown as movable window 902, and a secondwindow, a second portion, a stationary window, etc., shown as fixedwindow 904. The movable window 902 can be configured to roll, translate,rotate, pivot, etc., or otherwise move relative to the fixed window 904.The movable window 902 and the fixed window 904 can be manufactured froma same or similar material (e.g., glass, plexi-glass, plastic, etc.)that at least partially allows light to transfer through. For example,the movable window 902 and/or the fixed window 904 can be transparent,translucent, opaque, etc. In some embodiments, one or both of themovable window 902 and the fixed window 904 are tinted on an exteriorsurface so that the operator can view exterior landscape, objects,environment, etc., through the movable window 902 and/or the fixedwindow 904 but prevent, limit, or otherwise obscure a view of theoperator or interior of the cab 200 from outside the cab 200.

As shown in FIGS. 49-53 and 57 , the movable window 902 and the fixedwindow 904 are coupled with the door panel 802. The fixed window 904 isfixedly coupled (e.g., mounted, secured, fastened, sealed, etc.) withthe door panel 802 such that the fixed window 904 does not translate,rotate, or pivot relative to the door panel 802. The movable window 902is translatably coupled with the door panel 802 (e.g., along one or moretracks, through an inner volume of the door panel 802, etc.) so that themovable window 902 can translate relative to the door panel 802 and thefixed window 904. The movable window 902 may be transitionable between afirst position (e.g., a closed position as shown in FIGS. 49-53 ) and asecond position (e.g., an open position) or a position partially betweenthe first position and the second position (e.g., a partially open or apartially closed position). When the movable window 902 is in the secondposition, an aperture or opening is formed so that the operator canaccess the exterior environment (e.g., to deliver packages, mail, etc.).When the movable window 902 is in the first position, access to theexternal environment or area surrounding the delivery vehicle 10 islimited by the movable window 902. The movable window 902 can betransitioned between the first position and the second position by anelectric motor (e.g., a window motor) or a crank mechanism that isdriven by the operator or a user.

As shown in FIGS. 49-54 , the fixed window 904 is fixedly coupled alonga forwards or front edge with one of the A-pillars 112. The fixed window904 can also be fixedly coupled along a corresponding edge of the drivercab door 800 with a panel 912 that is positioned proximate the A-pillar112 (e.g., when the driver cab door 800 is closed). The fixed window 904fixedly couples along a rear or opposite edge of the driver cab door 800proximate the B-pillar 114 (e.g., when the driver cab door 800 isclosed). The fixed window 904 is fixedly coupled along an upper edgewith an upper frame member 914. In this way, the fixed window 904extends between the A-pillar 112, the B-pillar 114, and the upper framemember 914 (e.g., when the driver cab door 800 is closed). The fixedwindow 904 may seal along at least a portion of its perimeter throughseal 910.

The fixed window 904 defines an aperture, an opening, a passage, a hole,etc., shown as opening 916. The opening 916 can have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the movable window 902. The opening 916 isdefined by an interior edge 918 of the fixed window 904 that extendsfrom the rear edge of the driver cab door 800 to the panel 912 or thedoor panel 802 proximate the front end of the driver cab door 800.

The movable window 902 and the fixed window 904 are sealingly coupledwith each other (e.g., when the movable window 902 is in the firstposition) through a rail, an annular member, a rim member, a divisionbar, etc., shown as seal 906. The seal 906 extends along the interioredge 918 of the fixed window 904 between the rear end of the driver cabdoor 800 and the panel 912 or the door panel 802. The movable window 902may seal with the fixed window 904 through the seal 906 when the movablewindow 902 is in the first position. The seal 906 can be fixedly coupledwith the fixed window 904 so that the movable window 902 translates intoand out of engagement with the seal 906.

As shown in FIG. 51 , the movable window 902 may transition out of thefirst position (as shown in FIG. 51 ) to the second position bytranslating in a direction 908 relative to fixed window 904. Thedirection 908 may be a substantially downwards direction so that themovable window 902 translates into the door panel 802. The door panel802 can receive the movable window 902 as the movable window 902translates into the second position. When the movable window 902 movesin the direction 908, the movable window 902 translates out ofengagement with the seal 906.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 54-56 , the seal 906 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. The seal 906 includes abody 930. The body 930 of the seal 906 defines a groove, a channel, arecess, a track, etc., shown as interior channel 920. The interiorchannel 920 is configured to receive a corresponding portion, edge,area, etc., of the movable window 902 as the movable window 902translates between the first position and the second position. When themovable window 902 translates into the first position, an upper portion928 of the movable window 902 translates into the interior channel 920to seal the movable window 902 with the fixed window 904. The body 930defines one or more sealing members, protrusions, ribs, etc., shown assealing portions 924. The sealing portions 924 are positioned within theinterior channel 920. The sealing portions 924 extend inwards so thatwhen the movable window 902 is translated into the first position, thesealing portions 924 engage opposite surfaces of the upper portion 928of the movable window 902. The sealing portions 924 engage the oppositesurfaces of the upper portion 928 to seal the movable window 902 withthe fixed window 904. Advantageously, the movable window 902 isselectably sealable with the fixed window 904 as the movable window 902translates between the first position and the second position. Thesealing portions 924 and the interior channel 920 can extend alongsubstantially an entire length of the body 930.

An exterior surface 922 of the body 930 may sealingly couple with acorresponding portion or surface 926 of the fixed window 904. In someembodiments, an adhesive is applied to one or both of the exteriorsurface 922 of the body 930 and/or a corresponding interior surface 926of the fixed window 904.

Referring particularly to FIG. 57 , the movable window 902 may betranslatable into the second position. When the movable window 902 istranslated into the second position relative to the fixed window 904,the movable window 902 translates into an inner volume 936 of the doorpanel 802. The door panel 802 includes a first member 932 and a secondmember 934 (e.g., a pair of sidewalls) that are positioned apart fromeach other and define the inner volume 936. The movable window 902 cantranslate into the inner volume 936 of the door panel 802 when driven orrepositioned into the second position.

Advantageously, the fixed window 904 and the movable window 902 providea wider field of view for the operator for increased viewing area ofareas external to the delivery vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the seal906 has a less than 3 degree of visibility obstruction (e.g., due to awidth of the seal 906). The fixed window 904 and the movable window 902as shown in FIGS. 49-57 can provide an improved visibility relative totraditional windows (e.g., up to a 135 degrees of visibility or aviewing area of 135 degrees, etc.).

Door Locking Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 58-62 , the door locking assembly 1200 (e.g., alocking cylinder assembly) is shown according to an exemplaryembodiment. The door locking assembly 1200 is configured to selectivelyprevent a door (e.g., the driver cab door 800, the side cargo door 1000,another door of the delivery vehicle 10, etc.) from moving out of theclosed position (e.g., toward the open position). Specifically, the doorlocking assembly 1200 is configured to receive a key or opener, shown askey 1202. One or more keys 1202 may be distributed among one or moreauthorized users. When the key 1202 is fully inserted into the doorlocking assembly 1200, the door locking assembly 1200 may bereconfigured between (a) a locked configuration in which the doorlocking assembly 1200 prevents the corresponding door from moving awayfrom the closed position and (b) an unlocked configuration in which thedoor locking assembly 1200 permits free movement of the door between theclosed position and the open position. Specifically, when the key 1202is inserted into a key aperture 1204 of the door locking assembly 1200,a portion of the door locking assembly 1200 is configured to rotatebetween a locked position (e.g., a locked orientation) corresponding tothe locked configuration and an unlocked position (e.g., an unlockedorientation) corresponding to the unlocked configuration. The key 1202moves into the door locking assembly 1200 along and rotates about alongitudinal axis 1206. In some embodiments, the door locking assembly1200 is generally radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 1206.

In some situations, unauthorized users will attempt to access to theinterior of the delivery vehicle 10 (e.g., the driver compartment 202 orthe cargo compartment 402) without a key 1202. This type of intrusionmay take the form of a user applying a force or torque on the doorlocking assembly 1200 in an attempt to break a component of the doorlocking assembly 1200 and gain access to the interior of the deliveryvehicle 10. By way of example, a user may attempt to insert a torquetransmission device, such as a screwdriver, into the key aperture 1204.The user may then attempt to apply a torque to the door locking assembly1200 until the door locking assembly 1200 fails and moves to theunlocked orientation. By way of another example, a user may attempt tograsp an exterior surface of the door locking assembly 1200 (e.g., usinga pair of pliers). The user may then attempt to apply a torque to thedoor locking assembly 1200 until the door locking assembly 1200 failsand moves to the unlocked orientation. As described in further detailherein, the delivery vehicle 10 includes a series of features thatresist these and other methods of unauthorized access to the interior ofthe delivery vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the door locking assembly 1200 is coupled (e.g.,directly) to the cab 200 and positioned on the right side of thedelivery vehicle 10. The door locking assembly 1200 is positionedforward of the driver cab door 800 and at approximately the same heightas the door panel 802. The door locking assembly 1200 is positionedbelow and approximately in line with the A-pillar 112. The door lockingassembly 1200 is positioned below all of the windows of the deliveryvehicle 10. In some embodiments, the door locking assembly 1200 ispositioned near waist height of a user standing on the ground adjacentthe delivery vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the door locking assembly1200 is otherwise positioned along the body 100. By way of example, thedoor locking assembly 1200 may be coupled to the driver cab door 800,the side cargo door 1000, or the cargo body 400.

Referring to FIGS. 61-63 , the door locking assembly 1200 includes ahousing or outer component, shown as lock body 1210. The lock body 1210is coupled to the body 100 of the delivery vehicle 10. Specifically, thelock body 1210 is fixedly coupled (e.g., fastened) to the body 100 suchthat relative movement between the lock body 1210 and the body 100 islimited (e.g., prevented). The lock body 1210 includes a cylindricalportion, shown as main body 1211, that is substantially centered aboutthe longitudinal axis 1206. Extending radially outward from the mainbody 1211 are a series of protrusions or projections, shown as mountingprotrusions 1212. The mounting protrusions 1212 are fixedly coupled to(e.g., integrally formed with, fastened to, adhered to, etc.) the mainbody 1211. The mounting protrusions 1212 are configured to engage thebody 100 to limit rotation of the lock body 1210 about the longitudinalaxis 1206 and movement of the lock body 1210 along the longitudinal axis1206 relative to the body 100. The main body 1211 defines a longitudinalaperture, shown as lock body aperture 1214. The lock body aperture 1214extends longitudinally through the main body 1211 and is approximatelycentered about the longitudinal axis 1206. The main body 1211 furtherdefines a pair of radial apertures or shear member apertures, shown asretaining pin apertures 1216. As shown, the retaining pin apertures 1216are diametrically opposed to one another and extend from an outersurface of the main body 1211 to the lock body aperture 1214. Aprotrusion, shown as spring bar 1218, is fixedly coupled to the mainbody 1211. The spring bar 1218 is offset from the longitudinal axis 1206and extends longitudinally rearward from the main body 1211.

Referring to FIGS. 63-69 , the door locking assembly 1200 furtherincludes a sleeve or spacer (e.g., a tumbler engagement sleeve), shownas sleeve 1220. The sleeve 1220 is substantially cylindrical andsubstantially centered about the longitudinal axis 1206. The sleeve 1220is received within the lock body aperture 1214. In some embodiments, anouter diameter of the sleeve 1220 is slightly smaller than an innerdiameter of the lock body aperture 1214 to provide a slip fit betweenthe sleeve 1220 and the lock body 1210, limiting movement of the sleeve1220 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1206. The sleeve 1220defines a longitudinal aperture, shown as sleeve aperture 1222. Thesleeve aperture 1222 extends longitudinally through the sleeve 1220 andis approximately centered about the longitudinal axis 1206. The sleeveaperture 1222 is configured to receive a tumbler assembly, shown as coreassembly 1230. The sleeve 1220 further defines a pair of radialapertures or shear member apertures, shown as retaining pin apertures1223. As shown, the retaining pin apertures 1223 are diametricallyopposed to one another and extend from an outer surface of the sleeve1220 to the sleeve aperture 1222.

Extending radially outward from the sleeve aperture 1222 are two sets ofgrooves or recesses, shown as unlock grooves 1224 and lock grooves 1225.As shown, the sleeve 1220 includes two unlock grooves 1224 arrangeddiametrically opposed from one another and two lock grooves 1225arranged diametrically opposed from one another. In other embodiments,the sleeve 1220 defines more or fewer grooves (e.g., only one unlockgroove 1224 and one lock groove 1225, no unlock grooves 1224, etc.). Theunlock grooves 1224 and the lock grooves 1225 extend longitudinallyalong the length of the sleeve aperture 1222. The unlock grooves 1224and/or the lock grooves 1225 may be continuous along their length and/orhave a constant cross-sectional area long their length. In otherembodiments, the unlock grooves 1224 and/or the lock grooves 1225include multiple segments arranged along the length of the sleeve 1220.

Referring to FIGS. 63, 65, 70, and 71 , the core assembly 1230 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The core assembly 1230 isconfigured to be selectively fixed relative to the sleeve 1220.Specifically, when the key 1202 is not fully inserted or the wrong keyis inserted into the core assembly 1230, the core assembly 1230 isconfigured to limit (e.g., prevent) rotation of the core assembly 1230relative to the sleeve 1220. When the key 1202 configured for use withthe core assembly 1230 is fully inserted, the key 1202 can be rotated tofreely rotate the core assembly 1230 relative to the sleeve 1220, movingthe door locking assembly 1200 between the locked configuration and theunlocked configuration.

The core assembly 1230 includes a main body, shown as core cylinder1232, that extends longitudinally through the door locking assembly1200. A series of wafers or pins, shown as tumblers 1234, are slidablycoupled to the core cylinder 1232. The tumblers 1234 are configured tomove radially relative to the core cylinder 1232 between an extendedposition, shown in FIG. 70 , and a retracted position, shown in FIG. 71. In the extended position, the tumblers 1234 extend into the unlockgrooves 1224 or the lock grooves 1225 such that the tumblers 1234 engagethe sleeve 1220 to limit rotation of the core assembly 1230 relative tothe sleeve 1220. In the retracted position, the tumblers 1234 areretracted into the core cylinder 1232 and out of the unlock grooves 1224or the lock grooves 1225, permitting free rotation of the core assembly1230 relative to the sleeve 1220. The grooves are positioned such thatthe tumblers 1234 engage the unlock grooves 1224 when the door lockingassembly 1200 is in the unlocked configuration and the tumblers 1234engage the lock grooves 1225 when the door locking assembly 1200 is inthe locked configuration.

The key aperture 1204 extends at least partially through the corecylinder 1232 such that the key 1202 can be inserted into the corecylinder 1232. When the key 1202 is inserted into the key aperture 1204,a surface, shown as profile 1236, of the key 1202 engages the tumblers1234, causing the tumblers 1234 to move relative to the core cylinder1232. The tumblers 1234 vary in size such that the amount of movementrequired to move the tumblers 1234 to a position flush to the outersurface of the core cylinder 1232 varies between each tumbler 1234.Accordingly, the tumblers 1234 and the profile 1236 are correspondinglyshaped and sized such that the tumblers 1234 move to their respectiveretracted positions when the key 1202 is fully inserted. In someembodiments, the tumblers 1234 are biased radially outward (e.g., by oneor more springs) to extend radially beyond the circumference of the corecylinder 1232. This biasing force biases the tumblers 1234 intoengagement with the unlock grooves 1224 of the sleeve 1220.

Referring to FIGS. 63 and 72-75 , the door locking assembly 1200 furtherincludes a pair of keys, shear members, or plates, shown as retainingpins 1240. The retaining pins 1240 engage the lock body 1210 and thesleeve 1220 to limit (e.g., prevent) rotation of the sleeve 1220relative to the lock body 1210. The retaining pins 1240 each include afirst portion or section, shown as outer portion 1242, and a secondportion or section, shown as inner portion 1244. The outer portion 1242is located in (e.g., extends into) a corresponding retaining pinaperture 1216 of the lock body 1210, and the inner portion 1244 islocated in (e.g., extends into) a corresponding retaining pin aperture1223. As shown in FIGS. 73 and 74 , the outer portion 1242 has a heightH₁ defined in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 1206,and the inner portion 1244 has a height H₂ defined parallel to theheight H₁. As shown, the height H₁ and the height H₂ are approximatelyequal. The outer portion 1242 has a width W₁ defined perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis 1206 and the height, and the inner portion 1244has a width W₂ defined parallel to the width W₁. As shown, the width W₁is larger than the width W₂ such that the retaining pin 1240 has asymmetrical T shape. Due to this shape, the retaining pins 1240 may beinserted in a radially inward direction from outside of the lock body1210, as shown in FIG. 72 . The outer portion 1242 and the inner portion1244 have equal thicknesses T defined parallel to the longitudinal axis1206.

Referring to FIGS. 59, 61, 62, and 68 , the door locking assembly 1200further includes a lever or interface member, shown as actuator arm1250. The actuator arm 1250 is coupled to the core cylinder 1232 andpositioned opposite the key aperture 1204. Specifically, a spacer, shownas hub 1252, rotationally couples the actuator arm 1250 to the corecylinder 1232 such that the actuator arm 1250 rotates with the corecylinder 1232 when the key 1202 is fully inserted. The hub 1252 extendslongitudinally between the actuator arm 1250 and the sleeve 1220. Thehub 1252 is substantially centered about the longitudinal axis 1206, andthe core cylinder 1232 extends longitudinally through the hub 1252(e.g., through an aperture defined by the hub 1252). The hub 1252 isrotationally coupled to the core cylinder 1232 (e.g., by a key, splinedengagement, setscrew, pin, etc.) such that rotation of the hub 1252relative to the core cylinder 1232 is limited (e.g., prevented). The hub1252 is rotationally coupled to the actuator arm 1250 (e.g., one or moreprotrusions of the hub 1252 extend into corresponding apertures of theactuator arm 1250). A retaining clip, shown as snap ring 1254, limitslongitudinal movement of the actuator arm 1250 and the hub 1252 awayfrom the sleeve 1220. A protrusion, shown as spring bar 1256, is fixedlycoupled to the hub 1252. The spring bar 1256 is offset from thelongitudinal axis 1206 and extends longitudinally rearward from the hub1252.

Referring to FIGS. 58-60 , the side door assembly 700 includes theopening mechanism 748 including the handle assembly 750. The handleassembly 750 is coupled to the driver cab door 800 and includes aninterior handle and the exterior handle 756. The opening mechanism 748includes various door closure components (e.g., latches, levers, etc.)that releasably secure the driver cab door 800 in the closed positionwhen the opening mechanism 748 is in an engaged configuration (asdescribed above). When the interior handle or the exterior handle 756are operated by a user, the opening mechanism 748 changes to adisengaged configuration, permitting movement of the driver cab door 800out of the closed position. The door locking assembly 1200 engages withthe opening mechanism 748 such that the door locking assembly 1200 (a)prevents the opening mechanism 748 from changing to the disengagedconfiguration when the door locking assembly 1200 is in the lockedconfiguration and (b) permits the opening mechanism 748 to change to thedisengaged configuration when the door locking assembly 1200 is in theunlocked configuration. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 61 , a coupler orinterface, shown as clip 1258, couples the actuator arm 1250 to theopening mechanism 748. The clip 1258 is radially offset from thelongitudinal axis 1206 such that the clip 1258 translates in an arcaround the longitudinal axis 1206 as the key 1202 rotates the coreassembly 1230 and the door locking assembly 1200 moves between thelocked and unlocked configurations. The clip 1258 may be coupled to alever, rod, or another component of the opening mechanism 748 (e.g., thelocking latch 768, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 61, 76, and 77 , the door locking assembly 1200further includes a biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring), shown ascentering spring 1260. The centering spring 1260 includes a coil portion1262 that is wrapped around the hub 1252. A first end and a second endof the centering spring 1260 include protrusions, shown as tang 1264 andtang 1266 respectively, that extend radially outward from the coilportion 1262. The tang 1264 and the tang 1266 extend on opposite sidesof the spring bar 1218 and the spring bar 1256. When the hub 1252 is ina centered orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 76 ) relative to the lockbody 1210, the spring bar 1218 and the spring bar 1256 align with oneanother. When the hub 1252 is rotated, the spring bar 1218 and thespring bar 1256 are moved out of alignment, forcing the tang 1266 apartfrom the tang 1264. This causes the centering spring 1260 to impart abiasing force on the spring bar 1218 and the spring bar 1256, biasingthe hub 1252 back into the centered orientation. In some embodiments,the centered orientation corresponds to the unlocked configuration ofthe door locking assembly 1200. In other embodiments, the centeredorientation corresponds to the locked configuration of the door lockingassembly 1200.

Referring to FIGS. 61-69 and 78 , the door locking assembly 1200 furtherincludes a mounting assembly, shown as front mount 1270, that couplesthe door locking assembly 1200 to the body 100. The front mount 1270includes a main body, shown as mounting plate 1272, that is coupled tothe lock body 1210. Positioned rearward of the mounting plate 1272 is aseal, shown as face seal 1274. In some embodiments, such as theembodiment shown in FIG. 68 , the body 100 extends between the face seal1274 and the mounting protrusions 1212 to couple the lock body 1210 tothe body 100. The face seal 1274 may form a watertight seal between thedoor locking assembly 1200 and the body 100 to prevent ingress of waterinto the delivery vehicle 10. Positioned on the exterior of the mountingplate 1272 and coupled to the mounting plate 1272 is a cover, shown asfaceplate 1276. The faceplate 1276 at least partially surrounds the keyaperture 1204. The faceplate 1276 covers the mounting plate 1272. In theembodiment shown, the exterior of the faceplate 1276 includes a domedsurface that surrounds the key aperture 1204.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 78-81 , the door locking assembly 1200 is showncoupled to the body 100 of the delivery vehicle 10. In theseembodiments, the door locking assembly 1200 is positioned within arecess 1280 that is inset from an outer surface 1282 of the body 100.Specifically, the door locking assembly 1200 is positioned within therecess 1280 such that the key aperture 1204 is positioned within therecess 1280. In such an embodiment, the key 1202 must be inserted intothe recess 1280 to reach the key aperture 1204.

As shown, the recess 1280 is defined by a body panel 1281 of the body100 that is positioned forward of the driver cab door 800. In otherembodiments, the recess 1280 is defined by another part of the body 100.The body 100 includes a substantially flat face, shown as base portion1284, and one or more tapered (e.g., curved, angled, etc.) faces, shownas inclined portions 1286, that extend between the outer surface 1282and the base portion 1284. In other embodiments, the inclined portions1286 are substantially perpendicular to the base portion 1284 and/or theouter surface 1282. The outer surface 1282, the base portion 1284, andthe inclined portions 1286 may be formed from a single, continuous pieceof material (e.g., sheet metal). The base portion 1284 defines anaperture that receives the door locking assembly 1200 therethrough. Asshown in FIG. 78 , the base portion 1284 extends between the mountingplate 1272 and the mounting protrusions 1212.

Referring to FIGS. 79-81 , the recess 1280 may have a variety ofdifferent shapes. In FIG. 79 , the recess 1280 extends horizontallyalong the surface of the body 100, from one edge of the body panel 1281to an opposing edge of the body panel 1281. In FIG. 80 , the recess 1280is formed as a circle surrounding the door locking assembly 1200 anddoes not extend to an edge of the body panel 1281. In FIG. 81 , therecess 1280 is curved and extends forward from a rear edge of the bodypanel 1281, but does not extend to any other edge of the body panel1281. In other embodiments, the recess 1280 is otherwise positioned onthe delivery vehicle 10. By way of example, the recess 1280 may bepartially or entirely defined by the driver cab door 800, the side cargodoor 1000, or another door of the delivery vehicle 10. Accordingly, thedoor locking assembly 1200 may be coupled to the driver cab door 800,the side cargo door, or another door of the delivery vehicle 10.

During operation of the door locking assembly 1200, a user may insertthe key 1202 into the key aperture 1204 and rotate the key 1202 toreconfigure the door locking assembly 1200 between the lockedconfiguration and the unlocked configuration. When the key 1202 is fullyinserted, the tumblers 1234 are moved into the retracted position, andthe core assembly 1230 is permitted to rotate freely apart from thebiasing force of the 1260. When the user has rotated the key 1202sufficiently to reconfigure the door locking assembly 1200, the key 1202may be removed, permitting the tumblers 1234 to enter the unlock grooves1224 or the lock grooves 1225. When the key 1202 is removed, thetumblers 1234 engage the unlock groove 1224 or the lock groove 1225 tolimit rotation of the core assembly 1230 relative to the sleeve 1220.The retaining pins 1240 limit rotation of the sleeve 1220 relative tothe lock body 1210, which is fixed to the body 100 of the deliveryvehicle 10. Accordingly, a user is prevented from moving the doorlocking assembly 1200 out of the locked configuration without the use ofthe key 1202, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the interior ofthe delivery vehicle 10.

Referring to FIGS. 61-65, 73, and 74 , a user may attempt to obtainunauthorized access to the interior of the delivery vehicle 10 byforcing the door locking assembly 1200 open. In one instance, the usermay attempt to force the door locking assembly 1200 open by inserting atorque transmission device, such as a screwdriver, into the key aperture1204 and applying a torque to the core assembly 1230 in an attempt toforce the core assembly 1230 to rotate toward the unlockedconfiguration. This applied torque forces the tumblers 1234 against thesleeve 1220, which in turn applies a torque to the sleeve 1220. Theretaining pins 1240 resist rotation of the sleeve 1220. The retainingpins 1240 may be configured (e.g., sized, made from specific materials)such that the retaining pins 1240 fail at a lesser applied torque thanthe tumblers 1234. Such an arrangement may permit replacement of theretaining pins 1240 instead of the core assembly 1230 when the doorlocking assembly 1200 is forcibly entered. This may be desirable, as theretaining pins 1240 may be easier and/or more cost effective to replacethan the core assembly 1230.

When the retaining pins 1240 fail during a forced access attempt, theT-shaped geometry of the retaining pins 1240 may cause the outer portion1242 to shear off of the inner portion 1244 along a line extendingbetween the outer portion 1242 and the inner portion 1244. To improvethe resistance of the door locking assembly 1200 to forced entry, theretaining pins 1240 may be made from a relatively hard material, such ashardened steel. The retaining pins 1240 may be shaped and/or sized suchthat after failure (e.g., shearing of the retaining pins 1240 due to anapplied torque), the retaining pins 1240 prevent the door lockingassembly 1200 from changing to the unlocked configuration, even if thekey 1202 is used, until the door locking assembly 1200 is disassembledand the retaining pins 1240 are replaced.

Referring to FIGS. 77 and 78 , a user may alternatively attempt toobtain unauthorized access to the interior of the delivery vehicle 10 byusing a tool (e.g., a pair of pliers, a wrench, etc.) to engage (e.g.,grasp, grab, press against, etc.) an exterior surface of the doorlocking assembly 1200 and apply a torque to force the core assembly 1230to rotate. To prevent this engagement and thereby thwart this method offorced access, the door locking assembly 1200 is positioned within therecess 1280. In order for a user to engage a tool with the door lockingassembly 1200, they must extend the tool into the recess 1280, limitingthe types of tool that can be used and the orientations in which a toolcan reach the door locking assembly 1200. This prevents the user fromusing tools in certain orientations in which the tool can securelyengage the door locking assembly 1200 and/or provide a user with amaximum amount of leverage. The door locking assembly 1200 is positionedin close proximity to the inclined portions 1286 of the recess 1280,limiting the space around the door locking assembly 1200 in which a toolcan maneuver. Additionally, the outer surface of the faceplate 1276 isdome-shaped such that the surface thereof prevents effective engagementwith most tools (e.g., tools are incapable of applying sufficientfrictional force, grip, or traction to cause movement of the faceplate1276).

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thedelivery vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally,any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilizedwith any other embodiment disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a chassis; a cabcoupled to the chassis, the cab including a first floor portion defininga first pair of slots; a cargo body coupled to the chassis andpositioned rearward of the cab, wherein the cargo body includes a secondfloor portion defining a second pair of slots, and wherein the firstpair of slots and the second pair of slots are discrete and notconnected; a partition separating the cab and the cargo body; a seatingunit including: a frame assembly having: a pair of legs that engage withthe first pair of slots to selectively secure the seating unit to thefirst floor portion and engage with the second pair of slots toselectively secure the seating unit to the second floor portion, whereinthe seating unit is selectively repositionable between (a) the firstpair of slots such that the seating unit is positioned forward of thepartition and within the cab and (b) the second pair of slots such thatthe seating unit is positioned rearward of the partition and within thecargo body; a seat base coupled to the pair of legs and that supports aseat cushion; and a seat back coupled to the seat base and that supportsa back cushion; and a seat belt harness having: a seat belt bucklecoupled to the seat base; and a seat belt coupled to the frame assemblyat a plurality of points, the seat belt including a coupler configuredto selectively interface with the seat belt buckle; and a storage rackselectively positionable in the cab when the seating unit is removedtherefrom, the storage rack including: end supports; and a plurality oftrays extending between the end supports in a stacked arrangement. 2.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the storage rack is selectivelysecurable to the first floor portion.
 3. A vehicle comprising: achassis; a cab coupled to the chassis, the cab including a first floorportion defining a first pair of slots at a first position within thecab; a cargo body coupled to the chassis and positioned rearward of thecab, the cargo body including a second floor portion defining a secondpair of slots at a second position within the cargo body, wherein thefirst pair of slots and the second pair of slots are discrete and notconnected; a seating unit including: a frame assembly having: a pair oflegs that engage with the first pair of slots and the second pair ofslots such that the seating unit is selectively repositionable betweenthe first position and the second position; a seat base coupled to thepair of legs and that supports a seat cushion; and a seat back coupledto the seat base and that supports a back cushion; and a seat beltharness having: a seat belt buckle coupled to the seat base; and a seatbelt coupled to the frame assembly at a plurality of points, the seatbelt including a coupler configured to selectively interface with theseat belt buckle; and a storage rack selectively positionable in thefirst position when the seating unit is in the second position, thestorage rack including: end supports; and a plurality of trays extendingbetween the end supports in a stacked arrangement.
 4. The vehicle ofclaim 3, wherein the storage rack is selectively securable to the firstfloor portion.